IPL 2018: Delhi Daredevils sign Liam Plunkett as replacement for Kagiso Rabada
Ahead of the opening game of IPL 2018, Delhi Daredevils announced England fast bowler Liam Plunkett as replacement for the injured South African pacer Kagiso Rabada. The 33-year-old will be playing in his maiden IPL tournament after being unsold in the IPL Auction 2018.
Plunkett is an integral part of the England limited-overs side and has represented his country across all formats. Overall, he has played over 90 matches across all formats for England. He will be replacing the South African pacer, who was ruled out of the tournament with a lower-stress back reaction.
Rabada, who was signed by the franchise for 4.2 crore using their RTM card, will be out of action for up to three months. Speaking about Rabada's injury, Proteas team manager, Mohammed Moosajee said: “Kagiso has been diagnosed with a lower back stress reaction which will rule him out of cricket action for up to three months. He will need a month’s break from all physical activity before commencing with a rehabilitation programme to get him ready for the series against Sri Lanka in July.”
Plunkett is an experienced T20 campaigner and has played over 100 T20 matches across various domestic T20 leagues. He has 110 T20 wickets at an economy rate of 7.9 and strike rate of 20.2. In T20Is, he has 19 wickets from 15 matches at an economy rate of under 7.5.
The fast bowler will join an already strong bowling line-up that includes Mohammad Shami, in-form New Zealand pacer Trent Boult and all-rounder Chris Morris.
With a rejuvenated side that will be coached by Ricky Ponting, Delhi Daredevils will be looking to get off to the perfect start in IPL 2018 as they take on Kings XI Punjab at Mohali in the afternoon game on Sunday (April 8).
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